Any cloths or rags left in a pile, bin, or bag have the propensity to self-heat and pose a fire risk. The fire investigator should consider it plausible that rags left wetted with drying oil- anywhere from 1 hour to even 2 or 3 days– could be a potential ignition source.
The most common type of Spontaneous Combustion fires are those caused by improperly disposing of oil and stain soaked rags. Examples of these products are oil-based paints, stains, teak, linseed oils, varnishes, polyurethane, paint thinners, etc.
You should put rags in a fire-proof container (a metal bucket, ceramic pot, etc.) somewhere outside. After the initial drying period (again, this is actually chemically curing, not drying) they're safe. Keeping the drying rags ventilated and not in a big pile is generally enough to prevent ignition.
They may take up to several days to fully dry, depending on humidity and airflow. Once dry, store the rags in a sealable plastic bag away from heat sources or combustible materials until you can dispose of them.
The solvent in wood stain is what causes the liquid form to be highly flammable, but the stain drying process involves the solvents dissolving, which leaves behind a non-flammable product on your wood project.
To do this safely, hang the rags to dry in a well ventilated area away from any sparks or flame. Outside hanging on the side of a trash can is usually a good area to do this. Once the rags are dry, dispose of material in compliance with your local city or county waste management agency.
All wood stains are toxic in liquid form but become non-toxic after fully cured. This process can take 3 to 30 days, depending on the kind of stain and brand.
Lay your rags outside to dry, then once dried toss in garbage.
Therefore, it's best to save your oil-based paints and stains for a household hazardous waste collection program or to contact your local/state government environmental protection agency for guidance. States with PaintCare will collect and dispose of leftover oil-based products.
Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.
Any cloths or rags left in a pile, bin, or bag have the propensity to self-heat and pose a fire risk. The fire investigator should consider it plausible that rags left wetted with drying oil- anywhere from 1 hour to even 2 or 3 days– could be a potential ignition source.
Never allow any stain to dry on the wood surface—it will prevent the clear finish from adhering and cause other issues. Remove the last of any unabsorbed stain with a dry cloth, wiping in the direction of the wood grain.
Due to chemical, biological, or physical processes, combustible materials self-heat to a temperature high enough for ignition to occur. Rags and towels soaked with oils (e.g., cooking, linseed, or motor oils), hay, compost, mulch, manure, and leaf piles can spontaneously combust under the right conditions.
A person's clothes can catch on fire in a number of ways, usually by extended exposure to a heat source or by contact with a flame. Prompt action will reduce the severity of any burn injury.
If not properly disposed of or stored, as the rags begin to dry, the combination of heat, oxygen, and cloth can lead to spontaneous combustion and start a fire.
Since mineral spirits are highly flammable, be sure to put all of your dirty paper towels in a fire safe can and dispose of them properly.
Put the dirty rags into the washing machine and wash using high heat and laundry detergent. You should always follow the manufacturer's directions on the detergent bottle for the best results.
White Flannel. White Flannel rags hold stain for a long time so they work good for larger areas. When anyone asks us what is the best rag for staining, polishing or dusting we always say White Flannel by a long shot. They are not overly absorbent to over soak through.
Businesses should always take used rags to a designated facility or work with a hazardous waste disposal service to throw away oily rags. Putting them in general waste can be dangerous and illegal.
However, as a general rule, it's recommended to wait at least 2 to 3 days before sleeping in the house after refinishing with a natural oil. Wax finishes can take a bit longer, so you might want to give it a solid 3 to 5 days.
1 Before you get to work with a brush or roller, however, it's important to know exactly how long it takes for wood stain to dry. After application, wood stain can quickly dry to the touch in about four to eight hours, but it will still require about 24 to 72 hours to fully dry.
It's best to use oil-based wood stain outdoors. If you are not able to work outdoors, however, be sure that air can circulate in the room you are working by opening the windows and turning on fans. This is even more important when the stain is drying because VOCs can be released into the air as the stain evaporates.